Louisiana and Texas Gulf Coast Fly Fishing for Red Drum
By Craig Lamb
Texas and Louisiana are opposites on land, yet they share something in common in their shared waters of the Gulf of Mexico. That is undeniably the world’s best fishing for red drum, or redfish.
What makes that lofty claim realty is the nutrient-charged Louisiana Delta and its Mississippi River that supports an abundant and unending food chain in the marshes, and the expansive shallow water flats and estuary of the Texas Gulf Coast.
The bottom line is the Texas and Louisiana red drum population grow faster, bigger and in greater abundance than anywhere else. Drawing the line between which state is best is like comparing the best Texas chili to the tastiest Louisiana gumbo. You just have to taste both and decide for yourself.
What can’t be argued about is the for all the above reasons, the fly fishing is equally as world class, and success can be had year-round.
Fly Fishing for Louisiana Fedfish
Trophy red drum fishing can be had from the famed Biloxi Flats to the equally as world-renowned marshes fed by the Mississippi River near the fishing village of Venice.
The Mississippi River influences the quality of the fishing, and especially for sight fishing in the marshes and flats. Spring can bring higher, dirty water and an influx of freshwater into the marshes. As summer evolves, the river level returns to normal with improved water clarity for sight fishing. That carries through the fall and winter, the most productive times to fish. The takeaway is during low water years, the fishing can be amazing all year. The good news is, there is so much fishable water in Louisiana that a bad day here is a great day anywhere else.
As water temperatures drop in autumn, menhaden (a main forage) migrate offshore to spawn and winter in the warmer water. Without that primary food, red drum will move into shallower marsh mud flats looking for opportunistic meals like mullet, crab and shrimp. And with that setup, you have the perfect sight fishing scenario for fly fishing. Even so, resident red drum winter in and out of the shallower marshes until water temperatures begin rising and the menhaden return.
Fly Fishing for Texas Redfish
What stands out about Texas fly fishing opportunities for red drum are the shallow flats spanning much of the 350-miles of coastal waters in the Gulf of Mexico. Those flats are composed of mud and hard sand bottoms, with flourishing seagrass that set up the perfect scenario for sight fishing.
In Texas red drum waters, the strike zone is measured in inches, not feet, so anglers can direct casts at tailing red drum feeding and cruising across the grass flats. With that in mind, two methods are favored by Texas anglers. Those are poling the flats in a shallow-draft skiff, or wading the hard sand bottom flats.
For the latter approach, a standout destination is the Lower Laguna Madre, at 6 miles wide, 50 miles long, and with an average depth of 3 1/2 feet. Hard sand flats with little vegetation make up the eastern side of the lagoon, with seagrasses flourishing on the western side. Other standout destinations include the flats around Port O’ Conner, Port Aransas, and Rockport.
Top flies for Louisiana and Texas Red Drum
Redfish Crack: proven over time in both states, this fly has a large head that displaces water with visual contrast throughout for high visibility to the fish.
Gurgler: This mainstay for saltwater fly fishing, with blends of natural browns with orange flare favored on the Gulf Coast.
Lefty’s Deceiver: Another standard for saltwater fly fishing, and best for flats with open water.
Spoon Fly: Red drum on the flats can’t resist the flicker and flutter of this fly that excels in murky waters often encountered on the Texas coast.
Crab Fly: Crabs are a favorite meal for red drum in Louisiana, making this a must-have for those waters.
Clouser Minnow: You probably already have it in your fly box, and the Clouser is another tried-and-true fly for red drum.
Book a Trip, Redfish Fly Rods, & Other Water Gear
There are many outfitters and guides in the area as well as lodges. Adventure Starts Here.
Snowbee USA offers one the best rods for the money, a beautiful eight weight that makes a great surf fly fishing rod and bass when you are inland. Take a look Click Here.
Targeting tailing Redfish requires adaptably in switch your preferred fly, I use the Outta the Box Fly Pad. American Made and they last. Take a look Below.
For comfort in the sun and wind our saltwater fishing hoodies offer great sun protection in a UPF-50. Great for at home, trail or out on the town.
